The unique academic partnership between the Centre International d’Étude du Sport (CIES) in Neuchâtel (Switzerland) and Nelson Mandela University was established in January 2007.

IN THE BEGINNING …. The class of 2007

The collaboration was created within the framework of the FIFA 2010 initiative “Win in Africa – with Africa”. The objective of the project was to establish long-term programmes of development and solidarity in order to reinforce and perpetuate the heritage and legacy of the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa. In 2010 the programme saw its first enrolment from Europe and the 2017 edition has a record number of 36 students, 16 of whom are international students, with one coming all the way from the West Indies.

As we look back, we can also proudly reflect on the many success stories of the programme. Alumni have been promoted in their work, have ventured into new professional endeavours, have been appointed into leadership roles within sport and have enhanced the professionalism with which their sporting codes are being managed.

Students of this programme have won accolades, such as the FIFA/CIES International University Network Prize, while others have continued to blossom in the field of academia by completing qualifications such as the prestigious FIFA Master and other international and local Master programmes. South Africa is one of only three delivery points in Africa to offer the programme, the others being Senegal and Egypt.

During its first decade, Nelson Mandela University produced 190 graduates. Many of whom have gone on to achieve further academic success, participate in national and international sporting events and serve on national and international sporting organisations and boards.